Related

A family dinner is a fine time for easygoing Italian food, such as this recipe from the new cookbook Whatever Happened to Sunday Dinner? by Lisa Caponigri...

MONTREAL - Weeknight cookbooks designed for family cooks looking for easy, quick dinner recipes are on the increase.

Food Network cook Giada de Laurentiis has designed her latest cookbook around feeding her small family – husband and young daughter – easily. Born in Rome, living in Los Angeles, she usually specializes in her traditional Italian cuisine. In Weeknights with Giada (Clarkson Potter/Random House, $35), she includes this Thai-flavoured stir-fry to serve over steamed rice.

Supermarkets stock many Thai ingredients, but this recipe is worth a trip to a specialty store.

In a large, heavy frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat and cook garlic and chilies until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add shallots and bell pepper and cook for one minute. Add fish sauce, soy sauces and chili paste. Bring mixture to a low simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, about two minutes.

Add steak and cook, stirring frequently, for about five minutes for medium doneness. Remove from heat and stir in basil and mint until wilted.